The Complete Guide to Exploring Ireland’s Mountains

From Ireland’s highest peaks to those with the best views, we cover everything you need to know about exploring Ireland’s mountains.

There are few things as sweet and pure in life as the thrill of reaching a summit, no matter how minor it is. That moment when you reach the plateau and get those amazing panoramic views of your surroundings, it will break your train of thought and everything in life will pause for one perfect split second. Now Ireland may not have Everest, we may not have Elbrus, but we have plenty of little mountains (12 Irish peaks exceed 900m/3000ft) to play on, to explore and to take your breath away, literally. Consider this your comprehensive guide to Ireland’s summits. Now get up, get out and go explore Ireland’s Mountains.

Mountains near Dublin:

Living in Ireland’s capital city? You can still escape to the wilds at the weekend, with plenty of mountains to climb a stone’s throw from the bright city lights. The Dublin Mountains encompass 43km of mountain trails, country paths and rural roads. Plus the Dublin Mountains Way has been noted as one of the 1,001 most scenic walks in the world. Be the one on the hilltop looking out at the city, breathing in the fresh air and starry skies rather than the thousands the other way around longing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets for a brief respite in the hills.

Ticknock

Ticknock Forest is well known to all avid mountain bikers and boulderers alike and it’s just as attractive a place to hike. Start at Carthy’s Green just off the Ballyedmonduff Road in Ballinteer for a perfect yet challenging two-hour hike. Climb up Three Rock Mountain for stunning views, take note of the triple rock formations and the Fairy Castle ruins. The cairn at the top is the highest point of the Dublin Mountains at 537m. Ticknock is easy to access from Dublin’s city centre, just jump on the green Luas to Dundrum and catch a 44b bus to Ballinteer.

Hellfire

The Hellfire is an iconic Dublin climb and a challenging section of the Dublin Mountains Way. It’ll take about two to three hours to get to one the notorious landmark – The Hellfire Club. Once a prominent hunting lodge for rich young men from Dublin and allegedly used for satanic rituals and the scene of murders and sacrifices to the Devil.

Or if you are looking for a tad more green, then Wicklow is just an hour away. Take a look at one of our favourites, Lough Firrib and Arts Cross walk in the Wicklow Mountains.

Image: Andrew Hurley

Mountain challenge: The Four Peaks Challenge

As for Ireland’s ultimate mountain challenge, the Four Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest peak in each of the four provinces. Lugnaquilla in Co Wicklow is Leinster’s highest peak at 925 metres. Carrauntoohil at 1,038 metres is Munster’s and Ireland’s highest mountain. Mweelrea in Co Mayo is Connaughts at 814m and finally Slieve Donard, Co Down is Ulsters at 850m.

You can take on the challenge individually or as part of a fundraising challenge for charities like Action Cancer or Focus Ireland. People tend to split the challenge over one or two weekends, three days or 24 hours, if you are really hardcore!

If you are planning an overnighter in the hills, then camping gear is essential. Our camping checklist will help with that. Ensure you are always carrying a head torch or some source of light, maps, compass, emergency kit, water and of course a multi-tool.

Hiking Poles aren’t a necessity in the Irish mountains, but they do mean faster, safer time playing in the hills and we are quickly becoming fans. Check out why we are coming round to the idea with our 10 reasons why to use them.